India, Uzbekistan Warn Against Afghanistan Becoming Terrorist Haven

DID Press: India and Uzbekistan, following the elevation of their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, have stressed joint action against terrorism and warned that Afghanistan must not be allowed to become a safe haven for terrorist groups.

In a joint statement, the two countries condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, reaffirming a policy of “zero tolerance” and rejecting any justification for terrorist activities.

The leaders called for coordinated action against terrorist groups, including cutting off their financing networks, dismantling terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, and holding perpetrators, supporters and facilitators accountable.

Afghanistan featured prominently in the security discussions, as Uzbekistan shares a border with the country and both sides expressed concern about the potential spread of extremism and armed groups across the region.

India stressed the importance of working with Uzbekistan and other regional countries to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a sanctuary for terrorist organizations, particularly Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The two countries also emphasized stronger intelligence and security cooperation against violent extremism, drug trafficking, organized crime and cyber threats.

The statement comes ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where Afghanistan and regional counterterrorism mechanisms are expected to remain among key issues under discussion. Uzbekistan hosts the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), which coordinates member states’ efforts against terrorism, extremism and separatism.